A $1-billion bond measure that would help fund about 1,000 new affordable housing units annually over the next decade and enable middle-income workers to become first-time homeowners is likely to appear on the Los Angeles ballot in November.
Boosters called it "a smart venture that would stabilize neighborhoods, boost the economy, and reduce traffic and pollution by supplying new housing closer to jobs."
The L.A. City Council voted 13-0 on July 12 to send the measure to the city attorney to draft the ordinance allowing the Nov. vote.
"Paul Zimmerman, executive director of the Southern California Assn. of Non-Profit Housing, said the bond measure is supported by a diverse and unusual coalition of groups that share at least one common view: Affordable housing is key to the city's prosperity."
"It is a central issue for the economy in Los Angeles," said Carol Schatz, president of the Central City Assn., a business advocacy group that has been at the forefront of downtown redevelopment efforts. "This bond is the best way to address low-income housing needs. It's about filling social needs, too. We want to increase homeownership."
"Teachers, police officers, nurses, mechanics and others whose families earn as much as $100,000 would be among those who might qualify for home-buying assistance."
Possibly complicating matters, though, is a state-wide $2.85 billion housing bond, Proposition 1C.
Thanks to The Roundup
FULL STORY: $1-Billion Affordable Housing Bond Measure May Go to Voters in L.A
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie